Coking retort



Jan. 9, 1951 H. R. HORNER EI' AL COKING RE'I'ORT Filed June 26, 1947 7 Sheets-Sheet l INVEN-roRs, HnRo Ln R HORNER 4N0 RICHARD J. Hsmvssm; :BYM m,

firoraua'x Jan. 9, 1951 H. R. HORNER ETAL COKING RETORT 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed June 26, 194'? RICHARD J HENNE8 Ir M4 I .ErroRm-m INVEN TO Rs, HAROLD R. Hon/var? m:

Jam 1951 H. R. HORNER ETAL 2,537,670

COKING RETORT Filed June 26, 1947 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVEN ToRs, Hnnow R. Hon/van Juno Rmmno J. Hsmvsas WQW flrron NEY Jan. 9, 1951 Filed June 26, 194'? H. R HIORNER ETAL 00km; RETORT 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 INl/L'N T6123, HAROLD R. Hokwsk AND RICHARD J HENNESSI,

fiTORNEY.

"bonaceous materials.

Patented Jan. 9, 1951 COKING RETORT Harold It. Homer and Richard J. Hennessy, In-

dianapolis, Ind., assignors to Reilly Tar and Chemical Corporation, Indianapolis, Ind., a cor- I poration of Indiana Application June 26, 1947, Serial No. 757,286

11 Claims.

' l This invention relates to the art of coking carbonaceous materials, including pitches and coal, and involves an unique retort structure wherein the materials are heated indirectly up to coking thereof, and thereafter may be heated directly to increase the density of the coke to as high as 2.07. By use of our invention, the retort is employed as a still to drive off and recover gases and condensabie volatiles from the car- To do so, the retort is equipped with a plurality of vertically disposed metal tubes spaced through the carbonaceous material, and it is through these tubes that the heating medium is directed entirely removed from communication with the space in which the material is charged. By use of the tubes, the material may be carbonized or coked at temperatures up to 1400 F., to produce "soft coke. but to calcine to produce a hard, dense coke, requiring temperatures from 1800 to 2700 F., the tubes are designed to permit withdrawal so that the coke mayv be heated directly and above the temperatures which the tubes may withstand.

While the invention contemplates coking of coalsas well as of pitches, the description of the one iormof the invention herein set forth, will be directed mainly to the operations for coking pitches, since such material is in a liquid state in the retort before reaching its initial coking temperature, and the invention includes the structure and method of handling the liquid state of the a pitch, as well as the plastic state through which coal passes to the coked state.

The invention further provides that following the completion of the coking operation, the coke produced may be withdrawn from the retort simply by dropping it therefrom under the influence of gravity. It is therefore a primary purposeof the invention to produce a highly uniform coke product not only in respect to the cellular'structurebut also in respect to the chemical constituency and purity.

' r. primary objects of the invention reside in .theJpar'ticuIar combination of elements employedto produce a relatively simple mechanical structure for carrying out the process of the invention, and in the simplicity of operation as well as the long life thereof.

These and many other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those versed in the art in the following description of one particular form of the apparatus embodied in the invention, as illustrated more or less diagramatically in the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a view in side elevation of a structure embodying the invention;

Fig. 2, a view in longitudinal, vertical section through the retort only with a limited number of flues in position;

Fig. 3, a detail in vertical section on an en-- larged scale through the retort floor sealing means;

Fig. 4, a view in top plan of the structure with half of the dues in position and the upper structural iron work removed;

Fig. 5, a detail in side elevation on an enlarged scale of a corner of the retort floor supporting construction;

Fig. 6, a top plan view of that'portion of the structure included in Fig. 5; a

Fig. '7, a vertical transverse section on the line in Fig. 6;

Fig. 8, a vertical transverse section through the retort on the line 8-8 in Fig. 4;

Fig. 9, a view in rear end elevation of the structure shown in'FigI 1;

Fig. 10, a detail in vertical section through the upper flue thimble and sealing means, on an enlarged scale; t

Fig. 11, a detail on an enlarged scale in end elevation of the flue traveling carrier track;

Fig. 12, a detail in vertical section through the retort indicating the flue assembly therewith;

Fig. 13, a detail in vertical transversesection on an enlarged scale through a retort door carrying roller mounting;

Fig. 14, a view on an enlarged scalein transverse section on the line ll-H in Fig. 12;

Fig. 15, a central vertical section on the line l5 |5 in Fig. 14;

Fig. 16, a view in front elevation of the floor shifting drive mechanism; and

Fig. 17, a view in vertical section on the line ll-l| in Fig. 16.

Referring to the drawings, in which like characters of reference indicate like parts throughout the several views, a suitable framework is provided, herein shown as comprising structural steel members wherein there are five I-beam columns 20, 2|, 22, 23, and 24 in parallel vertical alignment on one side and 25, 2'8, 21, 28, and 29 in vertical alignment on the other side. These two sets of vertically disposed columns are spaced apart a suflicient distance to permit the desired width of retort generally designated by the numeral 30'-.to be carried therebetween and supported thereby. These columns in each set are interconnected by horizontally disposed members '32 with diagonal braces 33 all so provided and assaero interconnectedas to produce a substantially rigid framework. The end columns 24 and 29 are also tied together to maintain the parallel alignment of the two sets of columns by horizontally disposed members 54 and diagonal braces 35, the exact dispositions of which do not enter into the invention per se. In any event, the space between the two sets of columns and the side and end interconnections is left clear and free of obstruction to permit the mounting of the retort 50 therebetween and for other reasons that will hereinafter become apparent.

Mounted between the columns 22, 23, and 24 on the one side, and 21, 28, and 29 on the other side, is the retort 35 which is essentially a boxlike structure with an interiorly presented wall and ceiling surface of refractory material. In this regard.the side walls 35 and 31, and the front and rear end walls 35 and 39 respectively are formed in place within an outer metallic shell 45, to have the side and walls flare outwardly from top to bottom by their interior surfaces. The retort ceiling 4| is formed to have its sides and ends to be substantially integral with the side and end walls and is supported in any suitable manner such as by the angle irons 42 carried horizontally across the retort under and connected preferably in an expansible manner (not shown) to transversely positioned channels 43 secured respectively to their ends to the horizontally and longitudinally disposed I-beams 44, 45 secured on the one side between the columns 22, 23 and 23, 24, and the I-beams 45 and 51 secured similarly between the columns 21, 25 and 25, 29 on the other side. The lower ends of the retort walls are supported on structural posts 48 and 49, Fig. 8, set upright against and secured to the inner faces of the respective columns 22, 23, and 24 on the one side and 21, 28, and 29 on the other side, the exact details of such support not entering per so into the present invention. However, in the present form, such support includes the member 55 which completely encircles the lower outside end portion of the retort side and end walls. Against the under side of that member 55 is secured a face plate A refractory floor 52 is formed and carried in such manner that it may be raised and lowered under control to form a closure across the under side of the side and end walls 35, 31 and 35, 39. This floor 52 is built up over a steel plate 53 in turn carried by a plurality of transversely positioned I-beams 54. Extending entirely around the refractory iloor portion 52 is a vertically disposed metallic wall 55 on the upper portion of which is secured an outwardly extending grooved member 55.

In order that the retort 55 may carry liquifled material therein, it is necessary that some sealing means be provided between the door 52 and the walls of the retort. In the present form of the invention, it is contemplated that this sealing means consist of one or more ribs bearing compressively against resilient packing materialin such manner that following the coking operation, the floor may be lowered to break that seal without difllculty. In the present'form of the invention, there is a single rib 51 provided to extend downwardly from the plate 5| entirely therearound to enter within the groove 55 of the member 55, Fig. 3. This rib 51 may have a knife edge for better sealing under low pressure, but where sufllcient power is available to lift and hold up the floor 52, the rectangular form of the rib operates satisfactorily. Incidentally, the member 55 is maintained against bending downwardly by means of a plurality of spacer plates 59 fixed between the under side of the member 55 and the top side of the plate 53 which is extended outwardly beyond the metal wall 55.

The floor supporting beams 54 have their ends supported on the one side across the tops of the spaced apart channel irons, 55, 5! and their opposite ends on the tops of the spaced apart channels 62, 53. The channels 50 and 52 have rotatably mounted therebetween a plurality of flanged wheels 54, herein shown as three in number, to ride on the rail 55 in turn fixed to the top side of a horizontally disposed I-beam 55. Similarly, a plurality of flanged wheels 51, herein shown as three in number, are rotatably mounted between the I-beams 52, 53 to roll on the track 55 in turn fixed to the top side of the horizontally disposed I-beam 59.

The I-beams 55 and 59 are supported each by a plurality of hydraulically operated jacks 10. In the form herein indicated, Figs. 2, 8, and 9, these jacks 10 are supported by brackets 1| fixed to the respective posts 48 and 49. The shiftable jack heads 12 bear against the under sides of the beams 55 and 59 whereby these beams may be raised and lowered in accordance with the operation of the jacks. To prevent lateral movement beyond the permissible limits, the I-beams 56 and 59 in each instance carry guide plates, Fig. 8, '13

and 74 to extend from the beam and onto each side of the respective posts 48 and 49, these plates 13 and 14 carrying one or more (herein shown as two) spacer plates 15 which extend horizontally outwardly from the beams to bear against the inner faces of the respective posts 48 and 49.

In view of the floor sealing means above indicated, it is necessary to lower the floor 52 to permit moving of the floor from under the retort 30, and this is accomplished by releasing the jacks 15. Furthermore, it is necessary to shift the floor 52 to one side of the retort in order to permit release of the coked materials therein so that such materials may fall from the retort.

Now in order to permit this travel of the floor from under the retort, tracks 15 and 11 are mounted at fixed elevations in alignment vertically with the rails 55 and 55, but at lower elevations than those of the rails 55 and 58 when the floor 52 is in its uppermost, sealed position against the under side of the retort 30. In other words, the rails 15 and 11 are so positioned that they will be in horizontal alignment with the rails 55 and 55 when that floor 52 has been lowered to a predetermined position permitting it to be pulled from under the retort. In the form herein shown, these rails 15 and 11 are secured to the upper sides of I-beams 18 and 19 in turn supported by transversely positioned beams 50, in turn supported by their ends by longitudinally disposed members 5! secured to the inner sides of the respective vertical columns 20, 2|, 22 on the one side and 25, 25, and 21 on the other side.

At the front end of and ahead of the foremost wheels 54 and 51, the wheel carrying channels, 5i and 52, are interconnected respectively by a front channel 82 and a rearwardly spaced channel 83. Then suspended from the under sides of these channels 52 and 53 are a pair of spaced apart plates 54, 55 on the one side, and 55, 51 on the other side, Fig. 8. Between the lower ends of these respective plates is secured a. short length of an I-beam 55 with its web horizontally disposed, and then the plates in each ass ssed The forward endof this beam 991s caused'to;

extend forwardly'of the front ends of the plates 94, 99 and 99, 91 respectively a sufilcient distance to fixedly carry through its web a vertically disposed thimble 9|. The under sides of the flanges of the beam 99 are cut away. Fig. 5, up to the under side of the web from the front end of the beam throughout a major length of the extending portion thereof.

Horizontally disposed angle irons 92 and 99 are fixed respectively along the inner faces of the webs of the I-be'ams I9 and I9 to support slidingly thereon the ends of an I-beam 94 which, in the present showing, has its web horizontally disposed. Each end of this beam 94 is provided with shoes 99 and 99 respectively to slide along on the angle bars 99 and 99. These shoes may take any desired shape, being herein shown as substantially half-round bars with their fiat sides undermost and their upper rounded sides bolted in half round sockets in the beam 94. The beam 94 is provided with open end, vertically disposed sleeves 91 and 99, respectively spaced apart longitudinally of the beam 94 so that their axes may come into alignment with the respective axes of the thimbles 9| carried in the ends of the beams 99 upon suitable shifting of the beam 94 thereunder. In this regard, the angle irons 92 and 99 are so disposed vertically along the faces of the beams I9 and 19 that the beam 94 may be shifted under the forward ends of the beams 99 with some clearance between the lower ends of the thimbles 9| and the upper ends of the sleeves 91 and 99. Coupling pins 99 and I99 are respectively dropped down through the thimbles 9| to extend therefrom into the respective sleeves 91 and 99 brought thereunder. The coupling pins 99 and I99 are fixed in the present showing against dropping on through the thimbles 9| by means of heads I9I carried on the upper ends of the pins to strike against the top ends of the thimbles. By reason of the employment of this coupling means, the retort door 92 may be lowered and raised in respect to the beam 94 which maintains a fixed elevation by its end bearings on the angle irons 92 and 99, thereby maintaining the coupling engagement by means of the coupling pins 99 and I99 sliding vertically in the sleeves 91 and 99, these pins being sum.- ciently long so as to remain engaged within the sleeves throughout the limit of vertical travel of the door 92.

As above indicated, the floor or door 92 is required to be shifted horizontally from under the retort 99 in order to dump coke therefrom. Now to effect horizontal travel of the door 92, some pulling means is supplied to hitch to the beam 94 to pull it forwardly, and rearwardly. One such means is herein shown. In this means, there is a chain I92 on the one side of the apparatus (left hand side) which has one end secured to the forward side of the beam 94 to be carried therefrom substantially horizontally, forwardly to wrap around and under a pulley I93 which is rotatably mounted on a fixed horizontal axis inside of the column 29. From the under side of the pulley I99, the chain I92 extends horizontally rearwardly to wrap over a pulley I94 and downwardly and under a drive sprocket I99 to continue therearound and up over a pulley I99 and thence substantially horizontally rearwardly around and overa pulley I91 rotatably carried on a horizontal shaft let which is located baclr, inside of the column "22. From the top side of the pulley it'll, the ch I99 is carried forwardly to be'attached tothe rear side of the beam 9d. Ih'the same manner, achain I99 is mounted in alignment with the sleeve 99 toward the other end of the beam 94 to have its respective ends attached to the forward and rear side of the beam 94. The shaft I I9 on which the sprocket I99 is fixed is carried horizontally across to have another driving sprocket III fixed thereto around which the chain I99 engages. A chain driving motor III is mounted suitably to drive through a gear reduction box II9 a sprocket 4 which drives a chain 9 that extends around a sprocket II9 fixed to the shaft III. The shaft I99 is preferably mounted substantially midway of the shafts of the pulleys I99 and I91. By energizing the motor Hi, the door 92, after being lowered from the sealing position against the retort, may be pulled forwardly to a position entirely removed from the under side of the retort 99.

The retort ceiling 4| which hangs from under the transverse beams 43 has sufficient vertical thickness to prevent appreciable transfer of heat from the inside to the outside of the retort. Furthermore, the outer top side of the ceiling member 4i is preferably protected against the elements by any suitable means such as by the herein shown metallic deck III which unites by its edges with the retort surrounding shell 49. A plurality of thimbles 9 are provided to extend through the ceiling member H and upwardly through the deck 1. The number of these thimbles will depend upon the horizontal sectional area of the retort 99. They are spaced apart, vertical center from vertical center, a suitable distance both longitudinally and leterally of the retort to locate heat fiues or tubes through the retort-to obtain the desired distribution and conduction of heat therefrom through the mass of material to be coked within the retort, all as will be more fully described later herein. One particular spacing arrangement of these thimbl;s which has been found to be successful, and without limitation of the invention thereto is two feet both longitudinally and laterally. In the present form of the invention, there are five of these thimbles spaced apart laterally of the retort in ten rows thereof longitudinally of th retort. This, of course, is merely illustrative of one permissible construction.

Where the retort is to be charged solely with a liquid material such as pitch, these thimbles may be of constant diameter throughout their vertical lengths, but where the retort is to be used for materials that may be charged either in solid masses or in liquid form, it is preferable that these thimbles be formed to have their upper ends flaring outwardly to a diameter larger at the roof end than the diameter at the inner ceiling end so that the thimbles in each instance serve somewhat as funnels. Moreover, the fiared type of thimble as herein illustrated lends itself to a better seal against the escape of gases or vapors outwardly through the thimbles.

The fioor 92 is provided with a plurality of circular openings H9 therethrough to be axially in alignment with the thimbles H8 when the fioor 92 is in the closed position under the retort 99. That is, there are as many floor holes II9 as there are thimbles I I9 above. Referring primarily to Figs. 12, 14, and 15, these holes I I9 are defined by passageways flaring outwardly and upwardly to a top diameter exceeding the diameter at the under side of the floor. The upper end of each passageway H9 at least is provided with a metallic, inserted collar I20. The upper edge of the collar I is placed in a plane substantially parallel to the top face of the floor 52 at a slight distance therebelow to provide an annular shoulder therearound. Preferably, the floor 52 is recessed radially outwardly from the top face of the collar I20 to provide additional space for the insertion of a gasket I2I over the top edge of the collar I20.

Flue tubes I22 are prov ded in number equal to the number of thimbles H8. These tubes I22 are preferably made out of some material that at least will not deteriorate too rapidly under oxidizing effects of the temperatures required within the tubes while surrounded by such materials as pitch when the coal is being coked. V

The so-called stainless steels constitute one variety of material suitable for fabricating these tubes I22 when coal is being coked.

Each tube I22 is made to have a diameter such that the lower end of the tube may be supported from the top edge of the collar I20, and have its internal diameter at is lower end substantially equal to the internal diameter of the collar I20. Some centering means is employed to facilitate the positioning of the tube I22 in each instance in axial alignment over the collar I20 and to prevent lateral displacement therefrom when the tube is in use as a flue. In the present form of construction herein shown, such centering means comprises a collar I23 fixed inside of the lower end of the tube I22 to extend downwardly therefrom by a short length. Extmding downwardly and inwardly from this collar I23 are a plurality of guiding ears I24, herein shown as four in number, Fig. 14. This arrangement permits th tube I22 to be lowered through a thimble II8 to have the lower end of the tube approach the collar I20 and to be centered therewith by the entrance of the ears I24 therewithin, and finally, to have the tube collar I23 enter within the upper portion of the floor co.lar I28 to have the lower end of th tube I22 sit on the gasket I2I. In practice, this gasket I2I may consist of asbestos yarn initially held in place by sodium silicate, this yarn being compressible and compacted to a sealed condition by pressure exerted thereon from the weight of the tube I22 as it is allowed to rest on the gasket.

While it is entirely feasible to hav the entire length of the tube I22 of constant diameter, it

is desirable, in using the flared style of thimble II8 as herein shown anddescribed, to reduce the diameter of that portion of the tube I22 to permit sufficient clearance around that reduced length and the smaller diameter portion of the thimble H8 to permit passage therearotnd into the retort of sclid particles of material to be coked, such as coal or broken up chunks of pitch. In the present showing, the tube I 22 in each instance is provided with a reduced diameter length I26. The length of this portion I25 is suflicient to have the juncture between it and the major length of the tube I22 0f the larger diameter to come below the under side of the thimble II8, Fig. 12, when the tube I22 is in its normal, seated position, as Izcst indicated in Fig. 12, and the top end of the length I26 is substantially at the level of the top of the thimble I I8.

Since it becomes necessary to withdraw the tubes I22 from the retort following the coking operation, some means is provided for engaging the upper ends of the tubes. In the form herein shown, Figs. 10 and 12, the upper end of the length I28 is provided with diametrically spaced apart holes I21 and I28 so that a clevis I28 may be positioned over the top end of the length I26 to straddle that end in such manner that a pin I30 may be inserted through those holes and the clevis I29.

Normally, all Of the tubes I22 rest by their own weight free of any other vertical support to bear by their lower ends directly upon the gaskets I2I as berore described. In order to hold the tube length I26 in its central position through the thimble I I8, a number of arms I3I, herein shown as four in number are fixed to each tube length I23 to extend radially therefrom and bear by their outer ends (at the time of charging the retort) against the flared wall portion of the thimble II8.

Sealing means is provided between the thimble I I8 in each instance and the tube length I25. As indicated in Fig. 10, the thimble Ila is provided with an inwardly and upwardly turned flange I32 around the major diameter portion of the thimble II8 so as to provide a groove I33 the.earound open from the upper side of the flange. The internal diameter of this flange I32 is sufficient to permit the arms I3I to pass ireely therethrough. Within this groove I33, there is carried any suitable sealing means I34 such as'asbestos yarn, or even some plastic cement as may be preferred. A closure plate I35, circular in shape, is provided with an outer downwardly turned lip I36. The central portion of the member I35 is provided with an opening I31 so as to slidingly receive the upper end of the tube length I26 therethrough. Then spaced radially outwardiy from the margin of this opening BI is an upwa dly extending flange I38 fixed to the member I35 so as to provide a packing groov or channel between the flange I38 and the side of the tube length I26 of sufficient width to receive therein suitable sealing packing I39 of a fibrous or cementitious nature as may be most suitable.

The plate or lid I35 is covered over with coke fines. The tubes I22 will expand vertically when heated, and these upper lengths I26 will travel slidingly through the opening 31 with the packing I39 effectively providing a gas seal therearound.

At regular intervals, a plurality of girders I40 are provided to extend between and interccnnect the inside beams GI and 62 in the floor construction. In the form herein shown, Fig. 2, ten of these cross girders I40 are provided, arranged in pairs and are shown as having the form of channel irons. There are secured to these cross girders I40, burners I, each burner being arranged in axial alignment with a passageway IIQ through the floor 52 thereabove. The burners I are preferably fixed in position to the girders. While such burners may be adapted to burn oil, in the present showing, they are intended to burn gas. All of the burners are connected with suitable gas supply lines I42, Fig. 12, the exact details of the piping connections thereof bein omitted for the sake of clarity in showing the general structural arrangement, inasmuch as such piping does not enter into the invention per se. It is sufllcient to note that each burner I is supplied with a pilot burner or a lighting burner I43 adjacent the upper end thereof, and that all burners may be individually regulated by a controlled valve I adjacent thereto. Furordinary mechanic to make that connection which is not immediately a part of the invention as to its specific details.

A pitch supply pipe line I43 is provided to convey the liquid pitch from any suitable supply source to enter through the top of the retort 30,

Fig, 8. In order to permit escape of and to take of! vapors and gases from the retort, outlet pipes I44, herein shown as two in number, lead diagonally upwardly and outwardly through the upper corner of the retort 35 and thence downwardly into a collecting manifold I45 which may lead to any suitable destination as may be desired, such as through a scrubber or a gas collecting tank. Obviously, a slight vacuum may be produced in the manifold I45 if such be desired to induce a flow from the retort.

The structural framework above described is extended above the retort level by the columns 20, 2I, 22, 23, and 24 on the one side and '25, 21, I5, and 29 on the other side vertically to carry at its top side a traveling crane employed to raiseand lower the flue tubes I22 in respect to the retort 30 and also to carry them to one side thereof. In the form herein shown, runways I46 and I41, Fig. 9, are carried in parallel, fore and aft positions across the structural framework inside of the columns just enumerated. A bridge I49 is carried by these runways I45 and I41 to be shiftable therealong. The bridge I49 carries the hoist mechanism I49 which may be shifted along the bridge I45 through the trolley wheels- I50. A cable II drops from the hoist I49 to carry the block I52 which in turn engages centrally with a yoke I53, the yoke herein being shown as a length of an I-beam. Suspended from the under side of the yoke I53 are a plurality of rods I54. one spaced from the other a distance equal to the spacing apart of the axes of the flue tubes I22. The number of these rods I54 hanging from the yoke I53 equals the number of tubes I22 in a transverse row across the retort 30', five in the present showing. Each rod I54 carries a hook I55 in turn carrying the clevis I29 to straddle the upper end of the tube length I and be engaged therewith by means of the pin I as above described.

Thus by operating the hoist I49, all of the tubes I22 in one row laterally across the retort 30 may be pul-ed simultaneously from the retort. The hoist I49 is carried to that elevation above the retort 30 which will permit the tubes I22 to be entirely withdrawn from the retort and then carried forwardly of the retort 30 and lowered to have the yoke I53 come to rest within end saddles I55 and I55 carried respectively upon oppositely disposed rails I51. and I55, Upon thus positionopen from its under side, and also with all of the tubes I22 hanging from their respective yokes I53 forwardly of the retort 30, the first step in .the operation of the retort would be to fill the groove 55 with a packing material I such as asbestos yarn. Also, the packing material I2I is placed in position around each opening II9 as previously indicated, following which, the

motor I I2 would be operated to bring the fioor 52 rearwardly under the retort 30. The floor 52 is stopped in that position wherein its marginal groove 59 is in direct vertical alignment with the rib 51 depending from the under marginal face around the retort 30. The hydraulic Jacks '10 are operated to raise the floor 52 to force the packing material I50 into compressive engagement around and about the ribs 51. .Pressure is maintained in the jacks 10 to hold this sealing condition between the floor 52 and the retort walls.

The hoist I49 is carried over to the rearmost yoke I53 to have the block I engage therewith to pick up the yoke and its suspended tubes I22 to lift those tubes and carry them rearwardly over the top of the retort 30 and then lower them through the respective thimbles III! to allow the lower ends of those tubes I22 to centerand seat on the packing I2I, whereupon each tube I22 is disconnected by removing the pin I30 in each instance. The hoist carries that yoke I53 back to a forward storage position for yokes only as thimbles II9 throughout the length of the retort 30 until all of the tubes I22 have been put in place. Thus in Fig. 2, the rear five rows of tubes have been positioned within the retort; while in Fig. 9, one row of tubes I22 is shown supported by their common yoke I53 in the elevated position ready to be lowered into the retort.

Now as the tubes I22 are positioned in the retort 30 as just described. the sealing of the upper ends of those tubes I22 about their lengths I25 may be effected, first by placing the packing I34 within the groove I35. forcing the plate I35 ;v downwardly to have the lip I35 bear compressiblyv against that packing I 34, and then forcing in the j packing I39 between the tube length I25 and surrounding flange I55.

It is assumed that the material to be coked is pitch, initially liquid. Where solid particles; are to be charged into the retort, such particles may be dumped through the thimbles I I5 with the plate I35 removed, and after the charging opera-.

tion. then these plates I35 may be installed and go the sealing effected as described. Following ing the yoke I53, another yoke I53 may be picked saddles I55 and I55 along the rails I51 and I58,,

Figs. 1 and 4.

Operation Starting with the retort door 52 in the extreme forward position wherein the retort 30 is entirely through with the use of the pitch material, the

pitch is flowed into the retort through the intake pipe I43 to any desired depth so long as there I be room left within the retort over the pitch for the collection and flow of vapors and gases from the pitch to the discharge pipes I44 without over- 1 fiow of the pitch when heated. In any event,

diameter lengths I25 extend.

. The burners I are set into operation to cause heated gases to pass upwardly through the tubes I22.- The upper ends of these tubes may be left I open if desired to allow the heated gases to escape 7 into the atmospherabut where it is desired to ends or'the tube lengths I" may be fitted with return bends Iii-to conduct the combustion gases from each of those tubes I22 into a transverse collecting manifold I86, one for each two rows of tubes. Then, common ends of those manifolds I56 are interconnected into a draw-01f flue I81 to carry those heated gases to the desired heat exchange destination.

The burners III are operated to bring the temperature of the walls of the flue tubes I22 up to that degree whereby the pitch surrounding those tubes will be heated and caused to have flow currents set up therein under boiling conditions so that the heat is not only radiated but conducted throughout the mass of the pitch.

The heat is continued to be applied through the tubes I 22 until the mass of material surrounding the tubes is coked. During this primary heating period the retort is operating as a still, getting off red wax until the coked state is reached. Products of distillation will have been removed at this state as checked in the gas recovery system. Thermo-couples (not shown) are employed to determine the temperature of the mass. Now, if the process is to be carried no further, and soft coke is the type of coke desired, the burners MI are shut off. The return bends I65 and their interconnecting manifolds I66, if such have been employed, are'removed, or at least the return bends I65 are removed.

The hoist I45 is then employed to bring the yoke I 53 successively over each lateral row of tubes I22, lowered and interconnected with those tubes and then the hoist operated to pull the tubes from the retort and carry them over to the storing positions previously indicated, one row after the other. Thus the tubes are pulled upwardly out of the mass of coke within the retort.

Th retort floor 52 is then lowered by operating the Jacks ID to break the seal between it and the retort and to lower the floor from interengagement with the retort rib 51. The motor H2 is operated to pull the lowered floor forwardly from under the retort 30. Normally, the coke thereabove may drop from the retort past the rear end of the floor 52 as that floor travels forwardly. Preferably, this falling coke will fall onto a collecting dock or wharf I69 where it may be cooled to prevent combustion.

However, after the primary heating period to bring the mass to the coked state. if it is desired to produce harder and higher density coke-calcined coke-the tubes I22 are pulled from the retort and heating from the burners III is continued through the ilues left through the coke so as to apply the heat directly to the coke to bring it up to as high as 2700 P. Then the floor 52 is pulled as before to drop the coke.

The steps of the operation may then be repeated to carry out the next coking operation. Obviously the interior of the retort 30 may be inspected for any deterioration of the walls while the door is in the forward position, 'and the old packing in the various sealingpo itons removed and new packing installed. Obviously a battery of such retorts may be set up whereby some economy might be effected by utilizing the waste heat from the flue tunes I22 to preheat an adjacent retort. Therefore, it is to be seen that by employing the method and apparatus herein shown and described, none of the products of combustion produced by the burners HI are allowed at any time to come into direct contact or pass through any part of the chamber directly exposed to the material being coked, during the primary heating period. There is no play of flame upon the top surface of the material during this period and the heating flues through the pitch are positively defined by the flue tubes I22 removably carried by the retort.

While the invention has herein been described in the one particular form, it is obvious that many varied mechanical devices may be employed, particularly in the structural framework, the sealing means, and in the door traveling mechanism, all without departing from the spirit of the invention, and'we therefore do not desire to be limited to that precise form beyond the limitations which may be imposed by the following I claims.

We claim: 1. An apparatus for treating carbonaceous materials comprising in combination an apertured top and an open bottom retort; a material supporting, shiftable, bottom closing and sealing off door; a pluraity of vertically positioned heating tubes detachably and sealably resting on said door and sealably extending intosaid retort top apertures and to be open externally of said top; means for internally heating the walls of said tubes to at least coking temperature; means for raising and lowering said door to and from its retort closing and sealing position; means for shifting said door laterally from under said retort when lowered; and means supporting said tubes from said retort top upon lowering of said floor.

2. An apparatus for treating carbonaceous materials comprising in combination an apertured top and an open bottom retort; a material supporting, shiftable, bottom closing and sealing on door; a plurality of vertically positioned heatin tubes detachably and seaably resting on said door and sealably extending into said retort top apertures and to be open externally of said top; means for internally heating the walls of said tubes to at least coking temperature; means for raising and lowering said door to and from its retort closing and sealing position; means for shifting said door laterally from under said retort when lowered; and means supporting said tubes from said retort top upon lowering of said floor; said tubes being free to travel vertically in said apertures both under heat expansion and upon lowering of said door.

- 3. An apparatus for treating carbonaceous materials comprising in combination an apertured top and an open bottom retort; a material supporting, shiftable, bottom closing and sealing oif door; a plurality of vertically positioned heating tubes detachably and sealably resting on said doo and sealably extending into said retort top apertures and to be open externally of said top; means for internally heating the walls of said tubes to at least coking temperature; means for raising and lowering said door to and from its retort closing and sealing position; means for shifting said door laterally from under said retort when lowered; and means supporting said tubes from said retort top upon lowering of said floor; said apertures exceeding in diameter that of said tubes whereby said material may be charged into said retort through the apertures around said tubes before said tubes are sealed therein; said tubes supporting means comprising a projection on the tube and an abutment presented in said aperture in each instance in the path of but spaced below said projection when the tube is resting on said door.

4. An apparatus for treating carbonaceous mameans for internally heating-the walls of said tubes tov at least coking temperature; means for raising and lowering said door to and from its retort closing and sealing position; means for shifting said door laterally from under said retort when lowered; and means supporting said tubes from said retort top upon lowering of said floor; a seat provided in said door for each of "said tubes to interengage the lower tube end and to hold it against lateral displacement in each instance,

and said tubes being maintained on their seats by reason of the weight of the tube. 5. An apparatusfor treating carbonaceous materials comprising in combination an apertured .top and an open bottom retort; a material supporting, shiitable, bottom closing and sealing oif door, a plura ity of vertically positioned heating tubes detachably and sealably resting on said door and seaably extending into said retort top apertures and to be open externally of said top;

means for internally heating the walls of said tubes to at least coking temperature: means for raising and lowering said door to and from its retort closing position; means for shifting said door lateral'y from under said retort when lowered; and means supporting said tubes from said retort top upon lowering of said floor; a seat provided in said door for each of said tubes to interengage the lower tube end and hold it against lateral displacement in each instance, and said tubes being maintained on their seats by reason of the weight of the tube; said bottom door bein flat on its u per face and sealably engaged in its closed position around its marginal edge portions of sa d retort, whereby upon lowering the door and shifting it laterally said door may be released from sa d mater a by a lateral shearing action to alow the mat rial to drop by gravity and strip itself from said tubes.

6. An apparatus for coking materia s comprising an open bottom retort; a shiftable door for closing the bottom of the retort; a plurality of fine tubes extending through the retort in spaced relation and entirely closed off in respect to the interior of the retort and opening from respective ends exteriorly of the retort; means for heating the walls of said tubes to at least coking temperatures of said materia's; and means for shifting said door to ermit coked contents of the retort to drop therefrom; the top of said retort and said door being rovided with vertically aligned apertures therethrough, and said tubes being vertically pos tioned through said top apertures to rest.

by lower ends on said door over the door apertures: sealing means between said tubes and said retort top and door respectively; sealing means between said door and said retort; means for centering'said tubes within said retort top apertures compris ng arms extending from upper end portions of the tubes; and a flared wall defining sa d apertures, against which said arms may initially bear.

7. An ap aratus for coking carbonaceous materials comprising an open bottom retort; a shiftable door for closing the .bottom of'the retort; a plurality of flue tubes extending through the retort in spaced relation and entirely closed off in respect to the interior of the retort and opening 14 a from respective ends exteriorly of the retort; means for heating the walls of said tubes toat least coking temperatures of said materials; means for shifting said door to permit coked contents of the retort to drop therefrom; the top of v said retort and said door being provided with vertically aligned apertures therethrough; and said tubes being vertically positioned through said top apertures to rest by lower ends onsaid door over 1o thedoor apertures; sealing means between said tubes and said retort top and door'respectively; seaing means between said door and said retort; means for locating the upper ends of said tubes within said retort: said locating means 15 being below the top sealing means; and means *for conducting volatile matter from the upper portion of the retort.

8. For coking carbonaceous materials, a boxlike retort open from its under side; a structural go framework supporting said retort; a retort door carried by said famework for closing the under side of said retort; sealing means around the under marginal portion of the retort: means for raising and lowering the door into and out of seal-- :5 ing engagement with the retort; means for shifting the door latera ly when lowered from under the retort; the ceiling of said retort being provided with a plurality of spaced passageways therethrough: said door being provided with a plurality of passageways therethrough to be axially aligned with said ceiling passageways in the closed door position; a plurality oi. flue tubes; means carried by said framework above said retort to lower and lift said tubes; one tube for each ceiling passageway; each of said tubes having a length such that when lowered through a cei ing passageway to have its lower end rest on sa d door. an upper length portion will at least extend within said ceiling passageway; means for aligning and maintaining the alignment of each tube lower end substantially axially of the door passageway; sealing means interposed between said tube lower end and said door compressiby maintained by the tube weight thereon; sealing means between said upper tube length and said retort ceiling, whereby each of said tubes affords a separate passageway entirely through but sealed ofl from within the retort; and means for directing a heating medium through each of said tubes to heat their walls to at least coking temperatures of said materials.

9. An apparatus for coking carbonaceous material comprising an open bottom retort; a shiftable door for closing the bottom of the retort; a

plurality of flue tubes extending through the retort in spaced relation and entirely closed off in respect to theinterior of the retort and opening from respective ends exteriorly of the retort; means for heating the walls of said tubes to at 00 least coking. temperatures of said materials;

means for shifting said door to permit coked contents of the retort to drop therefrom; the top of said retort and said door being provided with vertically aligned apertures therethrough; and said so tubes being vertically positioned through said top apertures to rest by lower ends on said door over the door apertures; sealing means between said tubes and said retort top and door respectively; sealing means between said door and said retort to render the retort capable of holding said material in its liquid state; thimb'es carried in said retort top defining said apertures; said sealing means between said tubes and retort top comprising a plate in each instance encircling the tube; a channel provided around the thlmble;

anaeropacking between the peripheral portion of the plate and said channel; and a sliding packing between the plate and the tube.

10. An apparatus for coking carbonaceous materials comprising an open bottom retort; a shiftable door for closing the bottom of the retort; a plurality of flue tubes extending through the retort in spaced relation and entirely closed oil in respect to the interior of the retort and opening from respective ends exteriorly of the retort; means for heating the walls of said tubes to at least coking temperatures of said materials; means for shifting said door to permit coked contents of the retort to drop therefrom; the top of said retort and said door being provided with vertically aligned apertures therethrough; and said tubes being vertically positioned through said top apertures to rest by lower ends on said door over the door apertures; sealing means between said tubes and said retort top and door respectively; sealing means between said door and said retort; means for centering upper ends of said tubes within said retort during charging operations; thimbles carried by said retort top defining said top apertures; each of said thimbles having an upper, outwardly, funnel-like flaring portion; said retort and tube sealing means comprising sealing means of gas tight nature between the tube and the said upper thimble portion; and said tube centering means being located within said thimble below said top sealing means level.

11. An apparatus for coking carbonaceous materials comprising an open bottom retort; a shiftable door for closing the bottom of the retort; a

plurality of flue tubes extending through the retort in spaced relation and entirely closed off in respect to the interior of the retort and opening from respective ends exteriorly of the retort; means for heating the walls of said tubes to at least coking temperatures of said materials; means for shifting said door to permit coked contents of the retort to drop therefrom; the top of said retort and said door being provided with vertically aligned apertures therethrough. and said tubes being vertically positioned through said top apertures to rest by lower ends on said door over the door apertures; sealing means between said tubes and said retort top and door respectively; sealing means between said door and said retort; means for centering upper lengths of said tubes within said retort; thimbles carried by said retort top defining said top apertures, each of said thimbles having an upper, outwardly, funnel-like flaring portion; said retort top and tube sealing means comprising sealing means of gas tight nature between the tube and the said upper thimble portion; said tube centering means being located within said thimble below said top sealing means; said tube centering means comprising a plurality-of arms extending from said tube in each instance, within said thimble, the arms extending to a diameter approximately that of said upper thimble portion and greater than that o! the lower thimble portion.

HAROLD R. HORNER. RICHARD J. HENNESSY.

REFERENCES crrEn The following references are of record in the ille of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 157,645 Stanley Dec. 8, 1874 561,922 Taylor et al June 9, 1896 976,930 Schniewind Nov. 29, 1910 1,591,729 Trent July 6, 1926 1,636,975 Zuyderhoudt July 26, 1927 1,731,165 Hertel Oct. 8, 1929 2,037,556 Addy et al Apr. 14, 1936 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 8399 Great Britain .4 Apr. 7, 1910 414,972 Great Britain Aug. 16, 1934 434,403 Great Britain Aug. 30, 1935 

